Holmes Chapel zoo plans recommended for refusal

In March of last year, Cheshire East Council turned down an application from Zoo2U to relocate its zoo from Alsager to land at The Orchards Farm (Bidlea Dairy) on Twemlow Lane.

That application was refused by planning officers under delegated authority, who said the proposed development would result in encroachment into the open countryside through development of open land and cause harm to its character and appearance.

This time the application has been ‘called-in’ by ward councillor Russell Chadwick (Con) to be decided by the southern planning committee.

Cllr Russell Chadwick (Image: Cheshire East Council)

Cllr Chadwick called it in because of ‘the substantial local interest that has been expressed, indicating a collective desire for the proposal to be deliberated upon in a more open and participatory manner’.

The proposal is for a zoo and wildlife conservation park, including amenity buildings, visitor centre, animal enclosures and storage containers with access, parking and ancillary works.

A report from the council’s planning officer due to go to Wednesday’s committee meeting, states: “This proposal would house small mammals, skunks, meerkat, tortoise, reptiles and birds.”

It adds: “The business’ premises at Hall Farm [Alsager] offered a limited amount of space.

“The growth of the business and the end of the businesses lease at Hall Farm means a new location is necessary.”

The council says it has received 272 objections to the proposal and 73 letters of support.

The applicant has also provided a document signed by 1,376 people supporting the proposal.

Among the many reasons for objection are the scheme will result in a loss of green spaces, bring additional traffic to the area and pollution, and there is a lot of opposition to the captivity of animals.

In his call-in letter Cllr Chadwick said: “The zoo project presents numerous benefits that extend beyond its immediate scope.

“These include social benefits, by providing a new space for community engagement and education; sustainable benefits, through the incorporation of environmentally friendly practices and conservation efforts; economic benefits, by contributing to local employment and tourism; and community benefits, by offering new opportunities for volunteering and community engagement and participation.”

This latest proposal was submitted shortly after Cheshire East approved a retrospective application for a farm shop with café and ice cream parlour at Bidlea Dairy, to the south west of the site.

The council’s planners have recommended councillors turn down the zoo application on the grounds it would result in encroachment into the open countryside through development of open land and it would remove the existing open character and appearance of the site from the surrounding area.

The southern planning committee meeting takes place on Wednesday, July 31, at 10am at Crewe Municipal Buildings.